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Chemistry, AQA at Penistone Grammar Advanced Learning Centre

Course description

If you enjoy Chemistry and want to and know more about how chemicals interact both naturally and in a laboratory then Chemistry will appeal to you. Chemistry is a challenging but rewarding subject and throughout the two years you will develop many new skills.
A Level Chemistry combines theory with practical and analytical experience, encouraging imaginative, critical and logical thinking. You will have the opportunity to appreciate Chemistry and its relevance beyond the laboratory.

Course content

Students will study the AQA specification, studying the three areas of physical, organic and inorganic chemistry with AS providing the building block for the A Level course. There are a broad range of topics studied, ranging from the structure of the

atom to how to synthesise organic chemicals and how to calculate pH.

Entry requirements

To secure a place at our Post 16 Centre five passes or more GCSE passes at grade C or above and a minimum of a C grade in both English Language and Mathematics. All students will also need a B Grade GCSE in any subject they are wanting to study at A Level.
If it is a new subject for example Sociology or Psychology students must have achieved a grade B in both Mathematics and English Language.

Students must achieve a minimum of a Grade B in Chemistry GCSE or an average of two B grades in Core and Additional as well as a B in Maths at GCSE. It is strongly recommended that students taking chemistry also study Maths at A-level

Assessment

You will take two external written papers and a practical paper at AS and A2. Your practical skills will be assessed throughout the year.

Future opportunities

You could take this course to complement other advanced level courses such as Biology or to prepare for the A2 part of an Advanced GCE in Chemistry, which could lead onto higher education in science related subjects or more general higher education courses.
With further training, you could go into a job related to Chemistry or one of the other sciences such as a Doctor, Nurse, Scientist, Engineer or Agriculture.